Georgia Institute of Technology awarded Congressman John Lewis with its Ivan Allen Jr. Prize for Social Courage for his dedication to civil rights. Lewis, who will be speaking at this year’s ESSENCE Festival, received the award during a special ceremony on April 4 at the school’s Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts.
Georgia Institute of Technology President G.P. “Bud” Peterson expressed his admiration for Rep. John Lewis in a statement released by the school. “John Lewis put his life on the line for many years during the 1960s to bring about equality under the law for all Americans. His unflinching civil rights leadership and ongoing advocacy for social change throughout his career have elevated the causes of human rights around the world,” said Peterson. “It is our privilege to honor the life and work of Congressman Lewis through the Ivan Allen Jr. Prize for Social Courage.”